Wilfried Laurier University Reviews

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? Most of the exchange students lives on campus or close to the university. Since I lived about 30 minutes from the university I had a certain disadvantage in using available facilities such as the library, computer labs, etc. Moreover it was pretty hard to arrange any meetings with university mates since they were all living on campus.

Personal comments:
The university provides a couple of appartments in residences on the campus site. Usually you'll share the appartment with up to 3 room mates. Kitchen, bath room, etc. is included. In case the ran out of available appartments, the university staff helps students finding an accomodation.

Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community

Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
-On-campus: the Turret club is cool, and you don't pay to get in, and it has lots of room; the big problem is DJ's usually sucked: too much hip-hop and rap, and too many mistakes with the rhythms -on campus: Wilf's pub is an excellent place, lots of room; on monday's they have open-mic night, I used to play with a friend; on tuesdays it gets crowded because everyone wants to go, but it's worth it, you see everybody there -latin music: the Flying Dog on Thursdays; it's a fancy club with older people - Revolutions: big place, nice lights; the techno room is usually good - Evolutions: nice club with two dance floors; depends on the days and events - Phils: dirty and wet, but good for wild parties - Philsie's (or however you spell it): nice place, with lots of girls - Latino Productions: these guys used to make house parties on 200 Sunview Street, they were the wildest of the nights; I think they left the country though...pity - there are many other places you will find for yourself

Course recommendations:
Its frustrating when you cannot enroll in your intended classes at the same time as local students can. Obviously at the time of arrival you are told that the course is now full and you are to go on a waiting list. This becomes problematic if you need specific courses for credit at your home institution, so have a number of different options up your sleave at all times.

Personal comments:
Its a challenge to juggle a whole new experience, the people you are continually meeting, work, a social life and on top of it all the academic side. Time management is probably the key. Tutors in general get the picture when you tell them you are international and studies may not neccessarily be your number one priority but its always good to touch base with them and let them know where you are at / how you are coping with the work load.

Language of instruction: English

Main source of funding:
Personal savings

Other sources of funding:
Scholarship from home Universtiy

Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience

Personal spending habits:
Because of the convinience factor. The opportunities were at my doorstep

Food, Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone, Housing: was more expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
The culture shock only really hits you on your return home

In my opinion:
Most people loved it.